The approach now is to make best use of dollars available - Usamate

“The approach now is to see how we can make best use of the dollars available given the times we are in.”

That is the comment of the Minister for Infrastructure, Jone Usamate who says the Fiji Roads Authority Board has been directed to ensure the work they are carrying out is sustainable and long term.

Fiji Roads Authority’s Acting CEO, Kamal Prasad revealed to Fijivillage earlier that they have to stretch the dollar and with so many potholes everywhere and a lot of roads needing re-construction, their prime focus is to improve the conditions of as many roads as possible but with a different method where they are spending less.

Fiji Roads Authority’s Acting CEO, Kamal Prasad. [image: file]

He also revealed they are spending four times less per square metre for road works as resources are limited in the COVID-19 era.

When questioned, Usamate says a lot of money had to be turned away from existing projects into rehabilitating road assets after the recent cyclones and they have discussed with the FRA Board to see how they can keep the existing assets intact and at the same time make the best use of resources.

Usamate says if return work is done within a few years, the FRA will be able to maintain the longevity of roads.